(Newser)
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A photo of a buff, shirtless Barack Obama on the cover of Washingtonian magazine this month is either evidence of a disrespectful, maybe even racist, press, or simply oo-la-la, depending on who you listen to. Many Americans found the cover offensive, the magazine's editor told Judith Warner of the New York Times. Not so for the Europeans, Australians and Africans, whose attitude is: "You should be really proud of this guy; he looks awesome," said editor Garrett Graff.

The foreigners have it right, declares Warner. "Putting a shirtless Obama on the cover doesn’t make a profound statement about his status or dignity. The cover captures the mood at a moment when Washington feels as if it could be exciting. Maybe we, too,
can aspire to combine intelligence with attractiveness" and define desirability "in a much broader way than empty-eyed visions of red-carpet celebrity," Warner concludes. "Would that really be such a terrible thing?"

Since the previous administration put all of our current problems, with the exception of swine flu, in motion I really don't think it is "funny" to speak of their ineptitude given the current state of affairs.

lindamae

May 16, 2009 10:47 AM CDT

The previous administration did not have us borrowing 46 cents out of every dollar we spend with our grand kids paying the bill for today's spending. And Obama wants to spend even more. We've been printing money so we should have enough to pay off the Chinese and Japanese investor in America. Right! Remember that Congress does Budgets and the President enacts them by voting on them. Obama had the chance to fulfill his campaign promise to do away with pork but signed the Omnibus bill anyway. He is a liar and cheat.

janbee

May 15, 2009 11:49 AM CDT

Totally agree with Ms Warner. As a culture Americans are so stuck with ceremonial nonsense. Here's someone that has attended and graduated some of the most prestigious schools in the country (affirmative action you say?) A community organizer, proudly and successfully represented his constituents and followers at every level, including now. When I was growing up women anfd African Americans had to work harder than Caucasians for the same opportunities. Racist would have us all think African Americans are not as capable and therefore don;t deserve the op. Well get this boys and girls ~ the guy wooped Whitey's Hiney. He is president and World History is already writing this chapter and compared with how he is being treated ~ hasn't proven himself yet? The rest of the world sees President Obama in a different light. Unproven, the US re-elected someone with an intellect of an early primate, that could barely string words into cohesive thoughts ~ "W's" idea of culture is eating French Fries @ a baseball game. The Obamas are probably just as poised, eloquent and comfortable at an Opera in Vienna (that's in Europe clowns) Stop breaking this guys balls and treating him like he is an African American that needs to prove himself. Compared ti the past 8 years we should feel blessed.